A Different Fungus Threat for St. Augustine
There is another fungus other than brown patch that we are seeing a LOT in St. Augustine lawns right now in Midlothian and Prosper, and that's grey leaf spot.
Just like brown patch, grey leaf spot pops up in wet conditions or when there is a lack of good air circulation in the turf.
Why Grey Leaf Spot Is Harder to Identify
Identifying grey leaf spot is not quite as easy as brown patch. Grey leaf spot does not necessarily appear in patches or defined patterns like other diseases. It basically makes the turf turn yellow, and it can be in a small area or very widespread with no particular pattern.
Why it's often misdiagnosed:When widespread, it is often mistaken for a LACK of water—which is the complete opposite of what's really going on!
Symptoms that confuse homeowners:
- Yellowing turf (looks like drought stress)
- No defined circular patches
- Can appear anywhere in lawn
- May affect entire sections uniformly
- Doesn't look like typical fungal disease
How to Properly Identify Grey Leaf Spot
To identify grey leaf spot, you will have to get down on your hands and knees and take a look at your grass blades.
What to look for on individual blades:
- Numerous brownish/grey spots across each blade
- Each spot will have a dark ring around the edge
- Spots are small (1-3mm) and oval-shaped
- May have tan or grey centers
- Multiple spots per blade
- Spots may merge together on severely infected blades
Close inspection is critical:
- You cannot diagnose from standing position
- Must examine individual grass blades
- Look at multiple blades across affected area
- Use good lighting or take photos to examine closely
Conditions That Cause Grey Leaf Spot
Perfect conditions for grey leaf spot:
- Excessive rainfall (like we've had recently)
- High humidity and warm temperatures
- Poor air circulation in turf
- Excessive nitrogen fertilization
- Dense turf with heavy thatch
- Extended periods of leaf wetness
With the amount of rain that we have had over the last few weeks in North Texas, it would have been impossible to prevent grey leaf spot.
Treatment Requirements
If you have grey leaf spot, you MUST apply a fungicide.
Effective fungicide options:
- Azoxystrobin-based products
- Propiconazole formulations
- Combination fungicides for broad-spectrum control
- Products labeled specifically for grey leaf spot
Application guidelines:
- Treat at first sign of symptoms
- Apply to entire affected area
- Follow label rates carefully
- May require multiple applications
- Reapply per label directions (typically 14-21 days)
Improving Air Circulation
You can also help air circulation by mowing a little shorter.
Cultural practices to help control:
- Lower mowing height temporarily (remove leaf tissue)
- Reduce watering frequency
- Water only in early morning
- Avoid evening irrigation
- Improve drainage in problem areas
- Reduce nitrogen fertilization until controlled
The Danger of Ignoring Grey Leaf Spot
It's very important that you pay close attention and frequently look for any signs of grey leaf spot. If left untreated, it can and will kill off large portions of your lawn!
Why grey leaf spot is so destructive:
- Spreads rapidly in favorable conditions
- Can defoliate entire areas within days
- Weakens turf significantly
- Creates openings for weed invasion
- Requires extensive recovery time
- May permanently damage lawn if severe
Prevention for Future Outbreaks
Reducing grey leaf spot risk:
- Avoid excessive nitrogen in summer
- Maintain proper mowing height (don't scalp)
- Water deeply but infrequently
- Improve air circulation (prune overhanging branches)
- Reduce thatch through aeration
- Monitor during wet weather periods
Professional Fungicide Applications
At Vista Lawn and Pest, we provide expert grey leaf spot diagnosis and treatment in Midlothian and Prosper using professional-grade fungicides. Our team knows the difference between grey leaf spot, brown patch, and other turf diseases. Our comprehensive lawn care programs include disease monitoring and treatment as part of our fertilization and weed control services.
Don't let grey leaf spot destroy your St. Augustine—get it treated immediately!
Watch the video below to see what grey leaf spot looks like on individual grass blades and learn proper identification techniques for this destructive fungus.
For professional grey leaf spot treatment and comprehensive lawn care in Midlothian and Prosper, contact Vista Lawn and Pest.
